APPLICATION OF RICE HUSK BIOCHAR AND TRICHOKOMPOS INCREASES THE GROWTH AND PRODUCTION OF EDAMAME SOYBEANS ON ULTISOL

Ultisol soils are characterized by high acidity, low organic matter, and poor nutrient availability, which limit the growth and productivity of edamame soybean (Glycine max L.). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of rice husk biochar and trichocompost application on the growth and yield of edamame soybean grown on Ultisol soil. The experiment was arranged in a factorial Randomized Block Design with two factors: rice husk biochar (0, 100, 200, and 300 g/polybag) and trichocompost (0, 25, 50, and 75 g/polybag), each replicated three times. Results showed that biochar application significantly increased branch number, filled pod number, pod weight, and seed weight per plant. Similarly, trichocompost significantly improved plant height, branch number, and generative yield components. The interaction between the two treatments showed a synergistic effect, with the combination of 200 g biochar and 75 g trichocompost/polybag (B2T3) producing the highest pod weight (53.15 g) and filled pod number (22 pods), representing a 48.24% yield increase compared to the control. These results indicate that the combined use of biochar and trichocompost improves Ultisol’s physical and chemical properties, enhances nutrient uptake efficiency, and promotes optimal plant growth. Therefore, the integrated application of rice husk biochar and trichocompost is recommended as a sustainable soil management strategy to improve edamame soybean productivity on marginal lands.